Betting tax in Ghana changed in 2025, and many articles online are still out of date. The 10% withholding tax on lottery and betting winnings was abolished by the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1129). This guide explains what that means, what it does not mean, and where to check the details.
What is the betting tax in Ghana today?
Winnings are no longer deducted at source. Before April 2025, operators took a 10% withholding tax from winnings before paying you. Now, that deduction has been removed by law.
An EY tax alert on the amendments says Act 1129 abolishes the 10% withholding tax previously applied to gross winnings from lotteries, with effect from 2 April 2025. We read that alert while preparing this page. However, we could not find the change described on the Ghana Revenue Authority pages we checked, so we treat it as reported by EY rather than confirmed by the tax authority. Please check the current position with the Authority or a tax adviser.
Does this mean betting winnings are tax-free?
No, and we do not say that. The abolition removed the mechanism that collected tax at the point of payment. A legal analysis published by Citi Newsroom on 8 April 2025 argues that the Act removed the withholding duty but did not list winnings as exempt income.
In other words, the law is not fully clear on whether winnings are taxable in other ways. Therefore, a big or regular winner should not assume that nothing is owed. Ask a qualified adviser about your own situation.
What did the old 10% rule look like?
Under the old rule, an operator deducted 10% from the gross winnings on a bet before it paid out. For instance, on a GH₵1,000 win the deduction would have been GH₵100. Because that rule no longer applies, operators should not deduct it at source today.
If an operator still says it deducts 10% of winnings as tax, ask its support team to explain. Also, keep a record of the message. Some older articles and social posts still describe the old rule, so check the date on anything you read.
Who regulates betting in Ghana?
Betting and other games of chance are regulated by the Gaming Commission of Ghana, which was set up by the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721). The Commission licenses operators, while tax is a separate matter for the revenue authority. Therefore, a licensed bookmaker is not the same thing as a tax ruling.
You can compare licensed brands in our bookmakers directory, or read how to choose one in our guide to the best betting sites in Ghana.
What should you do about record keeping?
Keeping records is sensible whatever the rules say. First, save your deposit and withdrawal history from the operator’s cashier. Second, note the date and amount of large wins. Third, keep screenshots of any tax message from the operator.
These records help if you ever need to explain your income. They also show you how much you really spend, which matters for staying in control. Betting is entertainment, so treat any win as a bonus, not as income.
What else do Ghanaian punters ask about tax?
Most questions are about whether a win is taxed at payout. Today the answer is that it is not deducted at source, but the wider position is still debated. For football context while you follow matches, see our Ghana Premier League results and fixtures pages.
Why do older articles still mention the 10% rule?
Tax rules change faster than web pages. Many older guides were written before April 2025, and they were never updated. As a result, they still describe a deduction that no longer applies. Always check the date, and prefer sources that mention Act 1129 or the 2025 amendment.
Responsible gambling: 18+ only. Betting is entertainment, not income. Set limits and never chase losses. Help: Mental Health Authority toll-free 0800 678 678. Read more on our responsible gambling page.
By Ghanaian Matchday Editorial.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a 10% tax on betting winnings in Ghana?
Not any more. The 10% withholding tax was abolished by the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1129), reported as effective 2 April 2025, so winnings are no longer deducted at source.
Are betting winnings in Ghana tax-free?
We cannot say that. The change removed deduction at source, but commentators say the Act did not clearly list winnings as exempt income. Ask a tax adviser about your case.
Who collects betting tax in Ghana?
Since the abolition, operators no longer deduct the 10% at payout. Tax questions on income go to the Ghana Revenue Authority, while the Gaming Commission regulates the operators.
Where can I check the latest rule?
Ask the Ghana Revenue Authority or a qualified tax adviser, and check the date of any article you read, because older pages still describe the 10% rule.
